Wed, Mar 5, 2014 at 1:55pm

GOC GOES FROM FLA TO PGH

The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired center Marcel Goc from the Florida Panthers for a fifth-round draft pick in 2014 and third-round draft pick in 2015.

What does it give the Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins haven't been completely enamored with the play of {P Brandon Sutter} this season, so Goc could be viewed as the team's new No. 3 center. Sutter has been rumored to be on the move, which would then make this deal a lot more understandable. The Pens paid the same price for Goc (a natural center) that the Senators paid for {P Ales Hemsky}, a natural winger. Expect more moves to come here.

What does it give the Florida Panthers
The Panthers had already acquired Goc's replacement at center in former Chicago prospect {P Brandon Pirri}, so trading Goc was an inevitability. In return, they get two decent picks for someone who would have been an unrestricted free agent. Therefore, GM {B Dale Tallon} received all he could in this deal.

Fantasy impact
Goc should see a bit of a spike in value playing for Pittsburgh, but his stay there may be somewhat short-lived (he'll likely sign elsewhere on July 1). This deal hurts Sutter most, since he's probably headed elsewhere now.